Non-biological explanation for AN

AO1 - Operant Conditioning

• One non-biological explanation of anorexia nervosa (AN) is the behavioural approach, including operant conditioning and social learning theory.

• Operant conditioning explains anorexia through reinforcement. Weight loss often brings praise and approval, which positively reinforces restrictive eating.

• Avoiding food reduces anxiety about weight gain, acting as negative reinforcement.

• Eating may lead to guilt or fear, acting as punishment, so restrictive behaviours continue.

• The attention received from others and satisfaction from purging can also reinforce anorexic behaviours.

AO1 - Social learning theory

• Social learning theory explains anorexia through observing and imitating role models.

• Individuals see celebrities, influencers, or peers being rewarded for being thin (vicarious reinforcement).

• If they identify with these role models, they are more likely to imitate dieting behaviours and internalise thin ideals.

AO1 - Sociocultural factors

• Sociocultural factors also contribute, such as career choice and culture.

• Careers like dancers, models, and athletes emphasise thinness, increasing pressure to maintain a low body weight.

• Western cultures promote a thin ideal, whereas non-Western cultures often value a fuller body shape.

AO3 - Supporting evidence (SLT – Becker)

• One strength of the social learning explanation is supporting research from Anne Becker.

• Becker studied Fijian girls before and after the introduction of Western TV and found that after exposure, there was an increase in disordered eating behaviours and body dissatisfaction.

• This supports social learning theory as it shows that exposure to thin role models leads to imitation of dieting behaviours.

• This increases the validity of the explanation as it demonstrates a clear link between media exposure and anorexic behaviours.

AO3 - Critique (SLT)

• However, this evidence is correlational, meaning it cannot establish cause and effect.

• It is unclear whether media exposure causes anorexia or whether individuals already concerned with body image are more likely to engage with such media.

• Additionally, the explanation is reductionist as it ignores biological factors such as genetic predisposition and neurotransmitter influences.

• This limits the completeness of the explanation as anorexia is likely caused by an interaction of multiple factors.

AO3 - Supporting evidence (Sociocultural – careers)

• Further support comes from research by Garner and Garfinkel, who found that anorexia is more common in groups where thinness is emphasised, such as dancers and models.

• This supports the idea that sociocultural pressures contribute to anorexia, as individuals in these environments are rewarded for maintaining a low body weight.

• Additional support comes from research on the “female athlete triad,” showing links between intense exercise, low body weight, and disordered eating.

• This increases the explanatory power of sociocultural explanations as it explains why anorexia is more common in certain professions.

AO3 - Other explanation (Biological competing argument)

• However, biological explanations provide an alternative explanation.

• Research into genetics and neurotransmitters suggests individuals may be biologically predisposed to anorexia.

• For example, variations in genes such as EPHX2 and differences in serotonin and dopamine levels have been linked to anorexia.

• This suggests that environmental factors alone cannot fully explain the disorder, and biological vulnerability may be required.

AO3 - Application

• Behavioural explanations have useful real-world applications.

• For example, we can use reinforcement strategies to encourage healthy eating behaviours and reduce disordered eating.

• We can also replace harmful role models with positive ones that promote healthy body image.

• This means the explanation has practical value in prevention and treatment programmes.

AO3 - Reductionism

• A limitation is that behavioural explanations are reductionist.

• They suggest individuals are passive and simply imitate what they observe.

• This ignores cognitive processes such as how individuals interpret and think about body image.

• It also ignores biological influences, meaning the explanation lacks depth and completeness.

AO3 - Psychological knowledge in society

• Sociocultural explanations have influenced how society understands anorexia.

• They highlight the role of media and cultural pressures, leading to campaigns promoting body positivity.

• They have also influenced policies around advertising and representation of body image.

• Cross-cultural research supports this, such as Hoek, which found lower rates of anorexia in cultures where larger body sizes are accepted.

• This suggests cultural ideals play a significant role in the development of anorexia.